It is more likely to be from the Oxford Clay than from anywhere else as it was with other fossils from this strata.

I am sure it is one single, bilaterally symmetrical object. Unfortunately the underside (if it is the underside!) is not visible as it is covered by matrix but the ridges give the impression that they continue and curve round underneath.

I think it actually is a rather battered section of trilobite that has been transported to the site by the processes of glaciation.

I have collected in various spots in that area and in addition to the normal oxford clay fossils I kept finding fragments of coral (which is odd because the conditions that produced the oxford clays were not suitable to corals).

When I took them in to have them identified they turned out to be from the much earlier Carboniferous period - the nearest exposures of such rocks are in the midlands so the fragments must have been broken off by moving glaciers which then carried the material south.

It's a great find though - I'll bet it would take you a while to find another one there

Thanks Ryan, but I can't take any credit for finding it as it belongs to a friend!

It does look like a battered trilobite and that was my initial thought but I'm really not sure. The fact that you have found Carboniferous material in that area makes it more likely. How very intriguing.

Thank you for sharing such an interesting find. I forwarded your images to our specialist who says he is inclined towards identifying this as a Belemnite phragmocone, the obvious dip between the two sides is

Your belemnite phragmocone suggestion would fit with the fossil being found in the clay rather than older rocks. I admit that particular identification never crossed our minds but I am sure you are right! It is good to have the mystery solved.